Food Banks at Christmas

I hate that we live in a society where some of us need to use food banks. But I love the humanity of those who make them happen week after week in order that people and families get the nutrition they need until we do the right thing and end food poverty once and for all.

Food is such an important part of Christmas and those unable to lay on the full festive feast can feel excluded from the holiday season and in some cases feel they have let their families down. They haven't of course, it's the people running our economy who have let them down. But for too many people foodbanks are the difference between hunger and good health.

Anne, the driving force along with all the amazing volunteers at the Portslade Foodbank, do an utterly remarkable job. I've dropped in several times now to thank volunteers and listen to people who come to use their service and I just visited their special Christmas meal.

Despite the sadness that underlies the need for a foodbank, the volunteers made it a place of joy. The stories told me by their customers were painful to hear, but one thing is for sure - this is a great and vital service for them.

I recently spent time at a food collection point, and now I've once again seen how donations are put to good use. One day I hope to visit FairShare who manage and distribute the donations and thank their staff and volunteers too.

I was left with very powerful stories and emotions from this visit and I'll be doing all I can in the new year to keep food poverty on our agenda even though there will be many destructions with Brexit and Trump we must never forget what is happening to people who all too often lack the voice they need to be heard. All the best, Peter